A Letter to The Lost and Found Department of The Railway - GT Letter Band 9
top of page

A Letter to The Lost and Found Department of The Railway Regarding The Luggage - GT Letter Band 9

Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you accidentally left on the train.

In your letter,

  • give the details of your train trip

  • describe the luggage you left on the train

  • say what actions you want him/her to take.


GT Letter Band 9 Sample response to the question prompt "Write a letter to the manager of the Lost and Found department of the railway regarding the luggage you accidentally left on the train.  In your letter, give the details of your train trip describe the luggage you left on the train say what actions you want him/her to take."

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 1


Dear Manager,


I am writing to you regarding a personal item that I inadvertently left on one of your trains during a recent journey, and I am hopeful that your Lost and Found department can assist me in retrieving it.


On the 25th of January, I boarded the 10:30 AM train from Manchester to Liverpool. It was carriage number 5, seat 42B. The journey was smooth, and I disembarked at Liverpool at approximately 11:45 AM. However, in the haste of leaving the train, I forgot to take my luggage with me. The luggage in question is a black Samsonite suitcase, approximately 28 inches in size. It has a distinctive red ribbon tied to the handle and a small dent on the lower right side. Inside, among other personal items, there is a blue folder containing important documents related to my work.


I kindly request your team to check the train and the stations it stopped at following my journey. If found, could you please secure the suitcase and inform me of the procedure to reclaim it? Additionally, if there are any forms I need to fill out or identification I need to provide, please let me know at your earliest convenience.


Your prompt assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as the contents of the suitcase are of significant personal and professional importance to me.


Thank you for your attention to this matter.


Yours sincerely,


Jonathan Smith


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 2


Dear Manager,


I am reaching out with a sense of urgency regarding an unfortunate oversight on my part, where I inadvertently left behind a piece of luggage on your train service, and I am hopeful for your department's assistance in its recovery.


My journey took place on the 15th of February, departing from Birmingham at 2:00 PM on the direct line to Leeds, seated in carriage 7, seat 18A. The trip was uneventful and I disembarked at Leeds around 3:30 PM. However, in my rush to exit, I failed to collect my suitcase. The item in question is a navy blue hard-shell roller suitcase, about 24 inches in height, with a silver padlock and a neon green luggage tag bearing my name, Emily Thompson. Notable contents include a collection of rare books and a black leather-bound diary, items of great sentimental value to me.


I kindly request your team to conduct a thorough search for my suitcase, particularly on the train I travelled on and at any subsequent stops it may have made. If located, please inform me of the next steps I need to follow to retrieve it, including any identification requirements or forms I need to complete.


Your prompt and considerate handling of this situation would be immensely appreciated, as the suitcase holds items of irreplaceable personal significance.


Warm regards,


Emily Thompson


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 3


Dear Esteemed Manager of the Lost and Found Department,


I am writing to report an unfortunate incident of leaving behind my luggage on the train during my recent journey. The train trip in question pertains to the 8:30 am Amtrak train on April 22, 2023, from New York City to Boston.


The lost luggage is an obsidian suitcase with two swivelling wheels and a telescopic handle, measuring approximately 26 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. It is equipped with a silver lock and a combination code of 325. The contents of the suitcase comprise personal effects such as clothing, toiletries, and a laptop.


I would be most grateful if your department could expeditiously initiate the necessary protocols to locate my misplaced baggage. I am particularly anxious about retrieving my laptop, among other vital possessions. Consequently, I request that your department conduct a comprehensive search for my lost luggage in the lost and found section of the train. In the event that the said luggage is not found, kindly provide me with appropriate guidance on the next course of action to reclaim it.


I am appreciative of your anticipated assistance, and I look forward to your prompt response.


Yours faithfully,


Habiba Piya



Model Answer 4


Dear Manager of the Lost and Found Department of the Railway,


I am writing to report the inadvertent loss of my luggage during my recent train trip. I was traveling on the 18th of April, from Grand Central Station in New York City, on board the 3:15 PM express train headed to Chicago, and unfortunately, I left my luggage on the train. I am sincerely hoping that your Lost and Found department can help me retrieve it.


The train journey was a busy one, with multiple stops, and I recall that we were scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 9:30 PM that same day. Regrettably, I was preoccupied and forgot to collect my luggage before disembarking.


The luggage that I accidentally left behind is a black leather suitcase with silver hardware. It measures approximately 26 inches in length, 15 inches in width, and 10 inches in height. There are minor cosmetic imperfections on the front of the suitcase, but otherwise, it is in pristine condition.


My suitcase contains a few items of considerable personal and professional importance to me, such as my laptop, camera, and essential documents. The misplacement of these items has caused me significant distress, and I would be profoundly grateful for any assistance in locating them.


I kindly request that you check your Lost and Found department for my luggage and keep me informed of any developments. I would be happy to pay any fees required for the return of my luggage.


I thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Yours Sincerely,


Chris Jordan


Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

bottom of page